The clue is within the title. That is Frank Westworth’s tenth JJ Stoner prequel brief story, which has been eagerly awaited by followers of his laborious man, Stoner. Basically, these prequels fill in a number of blanks within the story associated within the Killing Sisters trilogy of novels, A Final Act of Charity, The Corruption of Chastity and The Redemption of Allure.
Tense Commandment is the lacking hyperlink between the Stoner tales and A Final Act of Charity.
For individuals who haven’t made his acquaintance but (and why not?), Stoner is an murderer, sometimes employed by The Onerous Man who works in London’s Whitehall. This time round he’s requested to do a private favour for the boss, involving the daughter of a girl pal of his boss. Although Stoner doesn’t do private.
Then Stoner relents; he’d ‘go verify the lie of the land.’
The Onerous Man replies: ‘Everyone lies, JJ. However the land hardly ever dies’.
Stoner groups up together with his American pal, Stretch: ‘Stretch stretched his arms’ a number of instances – enjoying on phrases, as we’ve come to count on.
Additionally as normal, Westworth throws in loads of wit, one-liners, and neat phrases: ‘… the weary moist ran off him and onto the new engine, spitting because it returned vapour from the clouds whence it got here’.
The repartee between Stretch and Stoner comes thick and quick, over scrambled eggs, burnt toast and robust espresso, even with allusions to Jennifer Lawrence’s film Crimson Sparrow.
There’s a pornographic ring concerned, and sudden and surprising violence, but none of that is introduced gratuitously.
And, inevitably, fortunately, there’s a pleasant little twist on the finish.
As well as, Westworth has included an additional brief story, which is with nice topicality entitled ‘AI’. It issues a high-end medical facility engaged on ground-breaking 3D printing that may mend damaged spines: ‘eight pairs of working legs in two weeks’.
Probably the most superior particular person in restoration is Affected person Six – nothing to do with The Prisoner! The hospital administrator is finely drawn, solely intent on basking within the glory of the surgeons and Regenovo technicians who’re doing all of the grand-standing work.
Once more, there may be some tremendous phrasing as we expertise Affected person Six’s restoration: ‘The air of shivering delight was contagious’.
However after all there occurs to be an issue – and a blackly amusing if grim twist.
A fast but satisfying learn.
Reviewed by Nik Morton
Tense Commandment by Frank Westworth is obtainable at Amazon and consists of the standalone speculative thriller, AI, free of charge
